NBA Trade Rumors 2013: Kenneth Faried On Trading Block; Possible Destinations For The Denver Nuggets Forward

The Denver Nuggets are expected to make moves to improve their roster in the 2013-14 NBA season and one possible asset that they could shed is do-it-all forward Kenneth Faried.

According to Zach Lowe of Grantland, the Nuggets have sent feelers to several teams to gauge their interest on Faried, who was one of the key players for Denver in the 2012-13 NBA season. Although it was denied by the Nuggets' front office, Lowe said that it was confirmed by multiple sources around the NBA.

"Multiple sources around the league have reported in the last month that Denver has put out targeted feelers on Faried, gauging his value and demanding very good return. The Nuggets, for their part, deny they've put Faried's name out there at all," Lowe reported.

Faried, who was selected as the 22nd overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Nuggets, averaged 11.5 points and 9.2 rebounds in 80 regular season games last season.

The third-year forward's numbers were impressive, but Lowe pointed out that the Nuggets are looking to give new coach Brian Shaw the pieces that he needs in his offensive scheme.

"Faried is entering the third season of his four-year rookie deal, and given his per-game numbers, he figures to get paid on his next contract. If the Nuggets believe Faried has hit his ceiling, and that his game lacks the all-around polish Brian Shaw has said he wants from his big men, it would make sense for Denver to see what it can get," Lowe added.

If Faried is dealt by the Nuggets in the upcoming NBA season, one of the most likely destinations is the Philadelphia 76ers, who are looking to shore up their frontline. Nerlens Noel, the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, will likely sit out the entire season.

The 76ers could offer a deal centered on versatile forward Thaddeus Young, whose skill set might make him take the previous role of Andre Iguodala in Denver last season.

The Detroit Pistons could also be in the mix as they have shown reluctance in offering a new contract to center Greg Monroe, who could be pursued by the Nuggets knowing that he is a more polished player than Faried.

On the other hand, Faried will bring additional toughness to the frontline of the Pistons, which is expected to feature much-improved sophomore center Andre Drummond.

And although it is highly unlikely, the Nuggets could also consider trading Faried for New Orleans Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson, who is also reportedly on the trading block.

Anderson, who averaged 16.2 points and 6.4 rebounds a game last season, will give the Nuggets the stretch four Shaw is looking for, but the $8-million-per-year contract of the sweet-shooting power forward could be a huge stumbling block for the possible Nuggets-Pelicans trade.